If you are a sweets lover, this is for you! I might be one myself, though… Let’s get through this together.
Do you know that feeling when you give the first bite to a yummy donut? Or that chocolate layered cake? Or pistachio-dipped churros? Oh, God!
I mean… Everything about sweets and desserts is so tasty! However, I had bad news about us, guys… All that amount of sugar we consume might present us with many health issues.
Now… Let’s talk numbers. How much is TOO much sugar?
According to the WHO, the daily intake of sugar should be less than 10% aka 6 tsp for women, and 9 tsp for men.
Viral Strange will list 9 health signs that you are overconsuming sugar. *Please be cautious to substitute sugary products with naturally sweet products, such as fruits, etc. See a doctor for further medical advice and treatment.
1. Muscle pain
Our bodies warn us about any inflammation happening on the inside. Overconsuming sugar makes our immune cells send inflammatory messengers into our blood.
This breaks down the advanced glycation end-products and protein bound to a glucose molecule.
The problem here is that the more sweets you eat, the more biochemical reactions will happen, which can lead to heart disease, arthritis, or cataracts.
2. Craving sweets
Has it ever happened to you that after eating something sweet, you felt hungry again? Now, we know that sugar releases dopamine, which keeps us happy and in a good mood.
So, the more sweets you eat, the more your body will crave them because it makes you happy. It is addictive, just like drugs.
3. Energy highs and lows
Glucose molecules are there to give us the energy we need to function like normal human beings.
However, we need to keep it cool with the consumption of sugary foods, because it may lead to a deviation in energy levels.
This happens because when you eat sweets, the pancreas releases insulin to level the glucose in your body, and you feel energetic. On the other hand, your body’s energy will drop once you will crave more sugar.
4. Skin breakouts
Added sugar in food leads to insulin levels being higher to start the glycation process.
Glucose and high insulin level can cause inflammation and skin issues because they kick-start the oil glands producing more grease.
Try to eat fewer sweets and sugary foods, to get rid of the acne appearing on your skin.
5. Weight gain
One obvious sign of overconsuming sweets is gaining weight.
A high level of sugar increases the amount of insulin released. All the fat is stored in your belly.
6. Tooth decay
Cavities and tooth decay are other signs of overconsuming sweets. The debris left can make the teeth rot. It also causes plaques on your teeth.
On the other hand, pieces of food might get stuck and cannot be removed, which leads to tooth decay. Brush your teeth and see a dentist regularly!
7. A high sugar tolerance
Eating sweets every day can lead to a high sugar tolerance. So, a sweet fruity cake will not taste that sweet after some time.
That is why you will crave something sweeter, such as chocolate-layered cakes, for example.
8. Frequent colds and flu
Too many sweets lead to a low immune system. Yes. It happens because our immune system cells cannot attack bacteria.
Vitamin C and glucose have almost the same chemical structure.
So, when you eat only sweets, your immune system will take glucose present in your body to fight the bacteria, but it doesn’t have that power so your body will suffer more. Eat your fruits and veggies!
9. Feeling bloated
Digestive problems can happen because of sugar, too. When sugars are not absorbed well in the small intestine, they enter the big intestine.
Here, sugars are considered gas-producing bacteria. This will lead to bloating and gas.
Benefits you will have from avoiding sugar:
It will be beneficial for your body to get rid of sugary foods. Here are some benefits:
Eliminate inflammation
Weight loss and prevent obesity
No more mood swings
Acne-free skin
Avoid the risk of type 2 diabetes
Feeling energetic throughout the day
How to avoid overconsuming sugar?
Added sugars can be found in teas, beverages, foods, etc. It might not be easy to get rid of sugar once and for all. However, you can cut out the amounts and go for gradual diet changes.
Gradual because going from a high-sugar diet to a no-sugar, one can be tricky for the body. Instead, try these things:
• Avoid sugary beverages and candies
• Avoid cakes, chocolates, or muffins
• Read the label of the products before buying and pick the ones with no high sugar content
• Replace simple carbs products such as white flour or rice with whole-grain options
• Avoid artificial sweeteners because they contain aspartame, sucralose, neotame, etc., and can be harmful to your body
Conclusion
Finally, you should understand that sugar is an unhealthy addiction, like smoking or drugs. Overconsuming sugar can cause several diseases like diabetes or cancer and even lead to death.
It can be difficult making uncomfortable changes in your daily life, but as we mentioned above, start gradually. Choose to be healthy!
How is your relationship with sugar? Tell us in the comments.
